The United States has established “direct contact” with the victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, following their successful ousting of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This marks the first acknowledgment of direct American engagement with HTS, which the US still classifies as a terrorist organization. Blinken made the remarks during a conference in Jordan, where discussions included representatives from several Arab nations, Turkey, and Europe regarding Syria’s future.
The officials at the meeting agreed on the necessity of supporting a peaceful transition in Syria, with Jordan’s foreign minister emphasizing that regional powers aim to prevent the country from “descending into chaos.” A joint communiqué called for an inclusive Syrian government that respects minority rights and does not provide a haven for terrorist groups.
As Syria grapples with the aftermath of the recent upheaval, establishing a governance structure that represents all Syrians has become a paramount concern. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed regional anxieties about Syria’s future, warning against a repeat of the chaos that followed Colonel Gaddafi’s removal in Libya.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed the importance of preserving and reforming existing Syrian institutions, while pointing out the need to prevent terrorism from exploiting the transition period.
HTS, which has emerged as the dominant rebel faction, has voiced intentions to form an inclusive government. However, skepticism remains due to its violent jihadist history.
Blinken confirmed Washington’s communication with HTS, particularly regarding the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice, stating, “We’ve been in contact with HTS and other parties.”
Notably absent from the discussions in Jordan were representatives from Syria and the two countries that have long supported Assad’s government—Iran and Russia. The shadow of these external influences looms large over Syria’s future.
The new political entities forming in Syria will require cohesion both domestically and abroad for the hope of establishing a stable future for the Syrian populace.
Following over 13 years of civil war, which resulted in more than half a million deaths and millions displaced, HTS’s victory signifies a potential pivot in Syria’s governance. The rebels’ takeover of the capital on December 8 forced Assad to flee to Russia, ending his family’s decades-long rule.
HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as Syria’s interim prime minister. The world is now closely monitoring the evolving political landscape in Syria as it emerged from the Assad family’s half-century control.
Credit: BBC News
